Friday 8 May 2015

Flight Action


"Merlin"
Original Watercolour
720mm x 560mm
©Kaye Parmenter 2015

This painting marks a part of an artistic project.  To quickly recap, I looked to paint a piece to celebrate the Merlin arriving at RNAS Yeovilton with 846sqn.  I was invited to RAF Benson a few months ago to attend the official handing over ceremony and the highlight of the day for me was a fly-past of a number of helicopters flying in formation.  It provided the inspiration that I needed.

My aim with this painting was to achieve the feeling of impact of the helicopter taking off and flying over head....I was looking to include some effects in the painting to capture the imposing aircraft, yet still retain the loose and ethereal feel to my work.  From the rotor blade in the top left corner on the painting to the dark bottom right foreground, a huge amount of thought went into this piece with regards to composition and technique before I even picked up the brush.

I know that there are a large number of people very fond of this aircraft - from the RAF who have handed it over, to 846sqn who will now be flying it and not forgetting the very people who manufactured the helicopter at Augusta Westland.  The original painting belongs to 846 squadron, however prints will be available soon.

I aim to paint an anniversary piece in a year's time....to keep updated, I would recommend joining my website mailing list.  I send out an update email every 1-2 months.

Tulip Time - National Trust